Book Bloggers

The internet opened a brand new avenue for authors like me who have tried the normal means of getting published and been rejected numerous times. While I enjoy opening my mailbox to find numerous rejection letters, some personal but most generic, it got a bit daunting when I realized I had exhausted all the agents and publishers I knew who worked in my genre. When I decided to self-publish, I felt relief at the chance to take charge of my books on my own, but also intimidated by the many twists and turns of the self-publishing world.

I got an excellent book cover artist, Andrew Hair, and did my own formatting using the guidelines for each of the sites I wanted to be published through. That in itself was an interesting and time-consuming job, but I enjoyed getting the manuscripts ready because it felt like finally they would be able to get somewhere. Being able to share a book is one of my main driving reasons for writing, and now I had an avenue to release it.

I published the books, spread the word to my family and friends via facebook, email, and texting, then I waited. I have a very kind family and did have some book sales, but I knew I would have to do more to actually get my books out in the mainstream. I didn’t know where to turn until a friend of mine named Deirdra Pierce asked if I would like to put a blurb of my book on her website. I was overjoyed! After she posted the blurb and the book cover, I started looking for other book bloggers. I found a few and got an offer to do a guest post. I didn’t know the first thing about writing a guest post, but it was fun and I really enjoyed seeing my characters from a different point of view. More bloggers offered to put up a post, and now I generally am on at least one blog a week. It’s been an amazing ride and I am so grateful for the bloggers who have taken a chance on an indie author.

Bloggers are an amazing sort. They are funny, smart, shrewd, and crafty when it comes to knowing their niche in the reading market. The bloggers I have worked with have been kind, considerate, and so helpful as I am still learning the many details to advertising and talking about my books. I am so grateful that there are people who love to read as much as I do, and who take the time to share what they read with others. Thank you to all the bloggers out there who truly care, and who have increased the value of the written word by helping others find the books that will interest them. You are changing the face of publishing, writing, and reading, and you deserve our gratitude!